Govt fails to protect Euro 2004 qualifier

Next week’s Euro 2004 qualifier between Ireland and Switzerland will not be broadcast on free-to-air television because the Government has failed to finalise its list of protected cultural events.

Under EU law, individual member states can draw up a list of events that must be broadcast free of charge, but Communications Minister Dermot Ahern told the Dail today that the Irish Government has delayed making a decision on the issue pending further negotiations.

The game will now only be available through the Sky Sports subscription service.

The Taoiseach, Finance Minister and Sport Minister are due to meet the Football Association of Ireland tomorrow to discuss the matter.